Day 2: Vernon (Giverny), Les Andelys

Monet often painted the little riverside town of
Vernon, your port of call, so you are likely to recognize
scenes the master rendered in oils on your way to his
home in Giverny. You have a choice as to how you wish
to journey to his home where he lived and worked for
more than 40 years—via a short bus ride or by bike.
Once there, you’ll discover how Monet immortalized
his home and gardens in his paintings. Later, cruise
along the peaceful Seine to Les Andelys, where you
may wish to hike up to Château Gaillard, Richard the
Lionheart’s 12th-century stronghold, offering inspiring
views of the Seine. Cap the day off at the festive
Captain’s Welcome Reception and Gala dinner.
Note: Giverny will be closed during the October 29 and November 5
cruise departure dates. Instead of Giverny, guests will visit the gardens
of Versailles.

Day 3: Rouen

Victor Hugo called Rouen the city with a hundred
bell towers—and easily the most famous is the one
rising above Notre Dame Cathedral, which you’ll visit.
You will also see the Renaissance clock tower and
the bronze cross marking the site where Joan of Arc
was burned at the stake. Your tour includes stops to
sample some delicacies of Normandy, including white
cider and Camembert. For a more active experience,
you have a choice to go golfing at Rouen’s Mont-Saint-
Aignan, just minutes from the city. This 18-hole course
offers both veterans and beginners the chance to play
in a beautiful setting surrounded by woods.

Note: Golf excursions are open to a limited number of golfers.

Day 4: Caudebec-en-Caux (Honfleur or Étretat)

Travel through bucolic Calvados countryside to
Honfleur, an enchanting seaside town. You’ll soon
discover why impressionist painters came to paint its
inspiring scenery. For those who want to continue
their French golf experience, you’ll want to go play
at Golf d’Étretat, perched on the clifftops more than
150 feet above the sea, making playing golf here both
a memorable experience and a visual feast.

Day 5: Rouen (Normandy Beaches)

FEATURED EXCURSIONS:

Choice of Utah and Omaha beaches, Sainte-Mère-Église OR Juno Beach or Bayeux, and Arromanches and the American Cemetery

Normandy has been the setting for many battles over
the centuries, including the D-Day invasion of WWll.
You decide how you wish to experience it. For those
wishing to visit the American airborne forces’ landing
beaches, you’ll want to go to the historic Utah and
Omaha beaches, along with Pointe du Hoc, one of
the strategic strong points between the two beaches.
You’ll also visit Sainte-Mère-Église, which became the
first town in France to be liberated, and its airborne
museum. If you prefer to go to the Canadian landing
beaches, journey to Juno Beach, where the 3rd
Canadian infantry division came ashore; you’ll see
the exhibit at the Canadian Center. And for those
who wish to see an astonishing millennium-old
textile listed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World
Register, you’ll wish to travel to Bayeux to view the
famous 11th-century tapestry depicting the Battle
of Hastings. All groups will meet later in the day at
the American Cemetery and Memorial honoring US
soldiers. While here, you are welcome to participate
in a special remembrance ceremony that includes a
wreath laying, the American national anthem and a
moment of silence.

Day 6: Mantes-la-Jolie (Versailles)

FEATURED EXCURSIONS:

Choice of Palace of Versailles OR Château de Malmaison

Dock in Mantes-la-Jolie, gateway to either an excursion
to Versailles or Château de Malmaison. Versailles set
the standard for opulence, not just in the 17th century
but for the succeeding centuries as well. Tour the royal
apartments, which still look much as they did when
Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette fled in 1789. Marvel at
the magnificent Hall of Mirrors and walk through some
of the fountain-filled gardens. Château de Malmaison,
once home to Napoleon’s first empress, Josephine, is
filled with Empire-style furnishings, thanks to the keen
eye of young Josephine. Here the empress entertained
in elegance and created gardens that were world
famous in her day. Cap your royal day off with the
festive Captain’s Farewell Reception and Gala Dinner.

Hemingway called Paris a moveable feast: Once
you’ve experienced it, you will take it with you
wherever you go. You have three choices for how you
wish to experience the city. If you are experiencing
Paris for the first time, you may wish to take a cruise
along the Seine for an unforgettable look at the heart
of Paris from the water and continue on a panoramic
tour to see the City of Light’s most famous sights,
with a stop at the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens. For
those who wish to experience Paris as a true Parisian,
join the “Do as the Locals Do” tour. Take the Métro
to the Île de la Cité, the historic center of Paris, and
the great cathedral of Notre Dame. An expert in the
history and architecture of this magnificent cathedral
is your guide as you explore both inside and out. After
you’ve admired Notre Dame’s stained glass, flying
buttresses and idiosyncratic gargoyles, cross the
Archbishop’s Bridge to the Left Bank and the Latin
Quarter. Wander through the narrow streets where
for centuries artists, writers, philosophers and the
Sorbonne’s students have lived and worked, argued
politics, painted, sipped absinthe and lived the
bohemian lifestyle for which the district is famous. And
for those who prefer a more active exploration of the
city, hop on a bicycle for a guided ride along the Seine.

Day 9: Macon (Beaune)

FEATURED EXCURSIONS:

Beaune, Hospices de Beaune

Beaune may not be a large town, but it brims with
history, a wealth of splendid regional architecture
and incredible food. You’ll recognize the Hospices
de Beaune immediately by its fabulous multicolored tile
roof—it’s a symbol of Burgundy. Learn about
Burgundy’s celebrated wines on an excursion here,
where monks have been making and selling wine to
support their charitable work since the 15th century.
Celebrate the evening at the Captain’s
Farewell Reception and Gala Dinner.

Situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône
rivers, and with roots stretching back over 2,000
years to the days of Julius Caesar, Lyon is a place of
fascinating dualities. You have your choice of ways
to explore this city of contrasts. Foodies will want
to delve into France’s capital of gastronomy with a
guided tour of Les Halles, Lyon’s world-famous food
market, taking in a tantalizing array of elaborate
food stalls, bars and restaurants. In addition to being
known for its culinary heritage, Lyon is also known
for its history with silk—at one time, almost a third of
the city’s population were silk weavers—so for those
who enjoy this dignified fabric, you’ll be delighted to
discover its heritage, and you’ll even have a chance
to see a Jacquard loom in use. For a more active
exploration of the city, pedal through the city designed
with bike riders in mind. Cap the day off on an evening
tour showcasing the best way to see the city’s
architectural heritage, with over 100 sites illuminated.

Day 11: Tournon/Train l'Hermitage

Nestled on opposite sides of the river in the heart of
the Côtes du Rhône, the twin cities of Tournon and
Tain-l’Hermitage are an ideal destination for wine
connoisseurs. Experience this famous wine district
in one of two ways. Explore Tournon and its historic
castle, then cross over the suspension bridge to
Tain-l’Hermitage to taste Côtes du Rhône wines. If
you prefer to explore the Hermitage vineyards more
actively, then take a guided hike through the steepest
vineyards on the Rhône, where the world-famous
wines are produced. After you’ve seen how the grapes
are grown, taste the fruit that has been transformed
by the vintners’ craft into legendary wine.

Day 12: Viviers

FEATURED EXCURSIONS:

Exclusive intimate Viviers “Village Day”

Viviers retains much of its medieval character and
charm, with narrow lanes and historic structures.
See the sights on foot, then climb Rue du Château
to take in the view from the 12th-century St. Vincent
Cathedral. Afterwards, you can go inside the cathedral
to hear a recital of music by Puccini, Bach and Handel.
Before returning to the ship, spend time enjoying
some local activities. You have a choice to learn the
art of clay pot making at a demonstration, and then
be treated to an aperitif of the local favorites, such as
olives, rosé wine and apricot juice, or you can enjoy
your aperitif at a private mansion in the village.

Day 13: Avignon

FEATURED EXCURSIONS:

Avignon walking discovery tour with choice of Palace of the Popes OR Pont du Gard OR choice of exclusive “Off the Beaten Path” Avignon walking discovery tour, and exclusive guided “Lets Go” kayak ride on the Gardon River

Avignon—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—is endlessly
inviting; cafés and boutiques line tree-shaded squares
enlivened with street performers. Discover the city
built by the Avignon papacy with your guide, including
the vast Palace of the Popes, or visit the UNESCO-designated
Pont du Gard built by the Romans 2,000
years ago. If you prefer to see a different side of the
city, join a local expert to venture “off the beaten
path.” Discover the city’s picturesque hidden alleys
and secret squares, strolling from enchanting Place
Crillon to the Jewish quarter, and end at Place Pie, in
the old city center, home to Avignon’s famous market
hall. Here you’ll want to stroll through, as there is a
treasure trove of Provençal delicacies on display. Later
in the day, you can also get going by paddling a
kayak on the tranquil Gardon River.
Note: The kayak ride on the Gardon River is only available for May through
September departure dates.

Day 14: Tarascon (Arles or Tarascon)

Vincent van Gogh found inspiration in Arles and you will, too. Under the spell of the Provençal light and the vivid colours of nature, he spent a period of impassioned work under these bright sunny skies. As you explore the capital of the Camargue region with your local expert, see Van Gogh’s Arles, as well as a fascinating wealth of Roman monuments, such as the Amphitheatre and Constantine’s baths. You can also explore the city's expansive open-air food market, where you will find plenty of local delicacies, including Burgundian and Jura cheeses, heirloom vegetables, honey, and sausages. For those who wish to discover another wonderful town along the Rhône, visit Tarascon, home to the oldest producer of French-made indiennes, Souleiado, established in 1806. In the evening, enjoy a festive Captain’s Farewell Reception and Gala Dinner. Note: The open-air food market visit will take place in Beaune on the onward direction cruise (Avignon to Paris).

Day 15: Avignon (disembark)

Disembark the ship and transfer to Marseille International Airport for your return flight home.

Day 1: Marseille, transfer to Avignon (embark)

Arrive at Marseille International Airport, where you will be transferred to the ship.

Day 2: Tarascon (Arles or Tarascon)

Vincent van Gogh found inspiration in Arles, and you
will, too. Under the spell of the Provençal light and
the vivid colours of nature, he spent a period of
impassioned work under these bright sunny skies. As
you explore the capital of the Camargue region with
your local expert, see Van Gogh’s Arles, as well as a
fascinating wealth of Roman monuments, such as the
Amphitheatre and Constantine’s baths. For those
who wish to discover another wonderful town along
the Rhône, visit Tarascon, home to the oldest
producer of French-made indiennes, Souleiado,
established in 1806. In the evening, enjoy a festive
Captain’s Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner.

Day 3: Avignon

FEATURED EXCURSIONS:

Avignon walking discovery tour with choice of Palace of the Popes OR Pont du Gard OR choice of exclusive “Off the Beaten Path” Avignon walking discovery tour, and exclusive guided “Lets Go” kayak ride on the Gardon River

Avignon—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—is endlessly
inviting; cafés and boutiques line tree-shaded squares
enlivened with street performers. Discover the city
built by the Avignon papacy with your guide, including
the vast Palace of the Popes, or visit the UNESCO-designated
Pont du Gard built by the Romans 2,000
years ago. If you prefer to see a different side of the
city, join a local expert to venture “off the beaten
path.” Discover the city’s picturesque hidden alleys
and secret squares, strolling from enchanting Place
Crillon to the Jewish quarter, and end at Place Pie, in
the old city center, home to Avignon’s famous market
hall. Here you’ll want to stroll through, as there is a
treasure trove of Provençal delicacies on display. Later
in the day, you can also get going by paddling a
kayak on the tranquil Gardon River.
Note: The kayak ride on the Gardon River is only available for May through
September departure dates.

Day 4: Viviers

FEATURED EXCURSIONS:

Exclusive intimate Viviers “Village Day”

Viviers retains much of its medieval character and
charm, with narrow lanes and historic structures.
See the sights on foot, then climb Rue du Château
to take in the view from the 12th-century St. Vincent
Cathedral. Afterwards, you can go inside the cathedral
to hear a recital of music by Puccini, Bach and Handel.
Before returning to the ship, spend time enjoying
some local activities. You have a choice to learn the
art of clay pot making at a demonstration, and then
be treated to an aperitif of the local favorites, such as
olives, rosé wine and apricot juice, or you can enjoy
your aperitif at a private mansion in the village.

Day 5: Tournon (Tain l'Hermitage)

Nestled on opposite sides of the river in the heart of
the Côtes du Rhône, the twin cities of Tournon and
Tain-l’Hermitage are an ideal destination for wine
connoisseurs. Experience this famous wine district
in one of two ways. Explore Tournon and its historic
castle, then cross over the suspension bridge to
Tain-l’Hermitage to taste Côtes du Rhône wines. If
you prefer to explore the Hermitage vineyards more
actively, then take a guided hike through the steepest
vineyards on the Rhône, where the world-famous
wines are produced. After you’ve seen how the grapes
are grown, taste the fruit that has been transformed
by the vintners’ craft into legendary wine.

Situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône
rivers, and with roots stretching back over 2,000
years to the days of Julius Caesar, Lyon is a place of
fascinating dualities. You have your choice of ways
to explore this city of contrasts. Foodies will want
to delve into France’s capital of gastronomy with a
guided tour of Les Halles, Lyon’s world-famous food
market, taking in a tantalizing array of elaborate
food stalls, bars and restaurants. In addition to being
known for its culinary heritage, Lyon is also known
for its history with silk—at one time, almost a third of
the city’s population were silk weavers—so for those
who enjoy this dignified fabric, you’ll be delighted to
discover its heritage, and you’ll even have a chance
to see a Jacquard loom in use. For a more active
exploration of the city, pedal through the city designed
with bike riders in mind. Cap the day off on an evening
tour showcasing the best way to see the city’s
architectural heritage, with over 100 sites illuminated.

Day 7: Mácon (Beaune)

FEATURED EXCURSIONS:

Beaune, Hospices de Beaune and open-air food market visit

Beaune may not be a large town, but it brims with
history, a wealth of splendid regional architecture
and incredible food. You’ll recognize the Hospices
de Beaune immediately by its fabulous multicolored tile
roof—it’s a symbol of Burgundy. Learn about
Burgundy’s celebrated wines on an excursion here,
where monks have been making and selling wine to
support their charitable work since the 15th century.
Afterwards, check out the farmers’ market, which spills
from street to street in the Old Town. Cheeses, fruits,
vegetables, local sausages, breads—all are on colorful
display here. Celebrate the evening at the Captain’s
Farewell Reception and Gala Dinner.
Note: The open-air food market visit will take place in Arles on the onward direction
cruise (Paris to Avignon).

Day 9: Vernon (Giverny), Les Andelys

Monet often painted the little riverside town of
Vernon, your port of call, so you are likely to recognize
scenes the master rendered in oils on your way to his
home in Giverny. You have a choice as to how you wish
to journey to his home where he lived and worked for
more than 40 years—via a short bus ride or by bike.
Once there, you’ll discover how Monet immortalized
his home and gardens in his paintings. Later, cruise
along the peaceful Seine to Les Andelys, where you
may wish to hike up to Château Gaillard, Richard the
Lionheart’s 12th-century stronghold, offering inspiring
views of the Seine. Cap the day off at the festive
Captain’s Welcome Reception and Gala dinner.
Note: Giverny will be closed during the October 29 and November 5
cruise departure dates. Instead of Giverny, guests will visit the gardens
of Versailles.

Day 10: Rouen

Victor Hugo called Rouen the city with a hundred
bell towers—and easily the most famous is the one
rising above Notre Dame Cathedral, which you’ll visit.
You will also see the Renaissance clock tower and
the bronze cross marking the site where Joan of Arc
was burned at the stake. Your tour includes stops to
sample some delicacies of Normandy, including white
cider and Camembert. For a more active experience,
you have a choice to go golfing at Rouen’s Mont-Saint-
Aignan, just minutes from the city. This 18-hole course
offers both veterans and beginners the chance to play
in a beautiful setting surrounded by woods.

Note: Golf excursions are open to a limited number of golfers.

Day 11: Caudebec-en-Caux (Honfleur or Étretat)

Travel through bucolic Calvados countryside to
Honfleur, an enchanting seaside town. You’ll soon
discover why impressionist painters came to paint its
inspiring scenery. For those who want to continue
their French golf experience, you’ll want to go play
at Golf d’Étretat, perched on the clifftops more than
150 feet above the sea, making playing golf here both
a memorable experience and a visual feast.

Day 12: Rouen (Normandy Beaches)

FEATURED EXCURSIONS:

Choice of Utah and Omaha beaches, Sainte-Mère-Église or Juno Beach OR Bayeux, and Arromanches and the American Cemetery

Normandy has been the setting for many battles over
the centuries, including the D-Day invasion of WWII.
You decide how you wish to experience it. For those
wishing to visit the American airborne forces’ landing
beaches, you’ll want to go to the historic Utah and
Omaha beaches, along with Pointe du Hoc, one of
the strategic strong points between the two beaches.
You’ll also visit Sainte-Mère-Église, which became the
first town in France to be liberated, and its airborne
museum. If you prefer to go to the Canadian landing
beaches, journey to Juno Beach, where the 3rd
Canadian infantry division came ashore; you’ll see
the exhibit at the Canadian Centre. And for those
who wish to see an astonishing millennium-old
textile listed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World
Register, you’ll wish to travel to Bayeux to view the
famous 11th-century tapestry depicting the Battle
of Hastings. All groups will meet later in the day at
the American Cemetery and Memorial honoring US
soldiers. While here, you are welcome to participate
in a special remembrance ceremony that includes a
wreath laying, the American national anthem and a
moment of silence.

Day 13: Mantes-la-Jolie (Versailles)

FEATURED EXCURSIONS:

Choice of Palace of Versailles OR Château de Malmaison

Dock in Mantes-la-Jolie, gateway to either an excursion
to Versailles or Château de Malmaison. Versailles set
the standard for opulence, not just in the 17th century
but for the succeeding centuries as well. Tour the royal
apartments, which still look much as they did when
Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette fled in 1789. Marvel at
the magnificent Hall of Mirrors and walk through some
of the fountain-filled gardens. Château de Malmaison,
once home to Napoleon’s first empress, Josephine, is
filled with Empire-style furnishings, thanks to the keen
eye of young Josephine. Here the empress entertained
in elegance and created gardens that were world
famous in her day. Cap your royal day off with the
festive Captain’s Farewell Reception and Gala Dinner.

Hemingway called Paris a moveable feast: Once
you’ve experienced it, you will take it with you
wherever you go. You have three choices for how you
wish to experience the city. If you are experiencing
Paris for the first time, you may wish to take a cruise
along the Seine for an unforgettable look at the heart
of Paris from the water and continue on a panoramic
tour to see the City of Light’s most famous sights,
with a stop at the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens. For
those who wish to experience Paris as a true Parisian,
join the “Do as the Locals Do” tour. Take the Métro
to the Île de la Cité, the historic center of Paris, and
the great cathedral of Notre Dame. An expert in the
history and architecture of this magnificent cathedral
is your guide as you explore both inside and out. After
you’ve admired Notre Dame’s stained glass, flying
buttresses and idiosyncratic gargoyles, cross the
Archbishop’s Bridge to the Left Bank and the Latin
Quarter. Wander through the narrow streets where
for centuries artists, writers, philosophers and the
Sorbonne’s students have lived and worked, argued
politics, painted, sipped absinthe and lived the
bohemian lifestyle for which the district is famous. And
for those who prefer a more active exploration of the
city, hop on a bicycle for a guided ride along the Seine.

Day 15: Paris (disembark)

Disembark the ship and transfer to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport for your return flight home.